Sandler Training: No Mind Reading!

“So, Nick,” said the prospect, “you have a very interesting product.” Nick wasn’t sure of what to say. Is the guy interested or not? Or is he just trying to blow me off? “I appreciate what you’re saying,” responded Nick, “but what do you mean by ‘have a very interesting product’?”

“Well, it’s just that. If you mean specifically, well, it’s well engineered and thought out. I can see many places where we can use it.” To which Nick replied, “Oh. I’m not sure what you mean. What places?” He stopped and stared at the prospect, who then noted, “One place we really need this is in the front office.” “Why there?” Nick asked innocently.

P: “I can see how this would cut down on our outstanding accounts receivable almost immediately. Just cutting that from 120 days to 90 days would do wonders for our cash flow.” N: “I guess that’s the only place then, cutting down on outstanding receivables?” P: “No, not just there. The people in the field could definitely use this to process orders.” N: “How would they use it for that?” P: “One of the biggest problems we have is that no one in the office can read their handwriting, and by the time someone can translate it, it’s an easy two weeks. With this, they just hand the disk to the office manager.” N: “I don’t suppose that you would consider buying more than one?” P: “Buy just one? No. We need at least two right away.” N: “What would you like me to do?”

The RESULT:

Here’s a question—just who is making the presentation in the above exchange? Nick just keeps asking questions, and what is the result? The dream of every salesperson—a self-qualifying prospect that is deeply involved in selling the product to himself. Salespeople are not hired for their ability at mind reading. Unfortunately, when prospects make statements such as those directed to Nick, the common salesperson’s reaction is to agree with the prospect and hope the prospect keeps talking. And if there is nothing forthcoming from the prospect, the salesperson keeps the conversation going, not by asking what the prospect meant by some statement, but by filling in with more words.

Nick just kept asking the reasons for the statements the prospect was making. It is easier and more productive to ask questions than to try to guess what the prospect wants to hear. Asking questions is always safe; the sales professional never backs him/herself into a corner and the prospect keeps talking and selling themselves on why they should buy from you. That’s right, you salespeople, keep your mouths shut! Your goal is to learn what the prospect is thinking. You can only do that by asking what the prospect’s statements mean.

How often have you thanked a prospect when he/she complimented your product? Thanking a prospect is appropriate, but then you should go further and ask why he/she is complimenting your product. You will then discover why your product is being considered for purchase. In addition, when the prospect explains why he/she is complimenting your product, he/she will be reinforcing the reasons for buying. The prospect will be telling you the benefits of buying what you are selling.

Having a prospect tell you why he/she should buy your product is infinitely more powerful than you telling the reasons why, even if they are the same reasons.

At the end of the story, Nick asks a very simple question, “What would you like me to do?” Consider what this prospect will probably do, just having told Nick how great his product is and how he sees it most effectively used.

You can’t know what a prospect means unless you ask. Therefore, ask the questions and stop with the mind reading!


Sandler Training is a global training organization with over three decades of experience and proven results. Sandler provides sales and management training and consulting services for small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) as well as corporate training for Fortune 1000 companies.  For more information, please contact Karl Schaphorst at (402) 403-4334 or by email at kschaphorst@sandler.com.  You can also follow his blog at karlschaphorst.sandler.com